Occupational therapy enables people of all ages live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. It is a practice deeply rooted in science and is evidence-based, meaning that the plan designed for each individual is supported by data, experience, and “best practices” that have been developed and proven over time. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on “doing” whatever occupations or activities are meaningful to the individual. “It is occupational therapy’s purpose to get beyond problems to the solutions that assure living life to its fullest.,” Krista Keiper OTR/L tells The Independent-Observer. These solutions may be adaptations for how to do a task, changes to the surroundings, or helping individuals to alter their own behaviors. When working with an occupational therapy practitioner, strategies and modifications are customized for each individual to resolve problems, improve function, and support everyday living activities. Their goal is to maximize the potential of the individual they are treating. “Through these therapeutic approaches, occupational therapy helps individuals design their lives, develop needed skills, adjust their environments (such as home, school, or work) and build health-promoting habits and routines that will allow them to thrive,” says Keiper.